Navigating the World of Sunday School and Small Groups

Teaching Tip: Use more object lessons

Golf clubs. A candle. Pictures. A tape measure. A basket. A flashlight. What do these things have in common? I’ve used them all as object lessons when teaching a Bible study. And the list goes on. I don’t use an object every time I teach (please don’t do that, either!). But from time to time it is a good idea to use one of Jesus’ favorite methods when you teach.

Jesus used object lessons

Jesus is known as “the master teacher” and He frequently used objects as He taught. Here are just a few of the ones he used:

A withered fig tree

The temple

A coin in a fish’s mouth

Something he wrote on the ground

A field with wheat ready for harvest

A little child

The next time you teach, ask yourself what object from around your house could be used in the introduction of the lesson (that’s a great time to capture people’s interest in the Bible study, and a great time for object lessons). Here are a few items you might have available to you. How could you tie one of them to your next Bible study?

A battery

A nail

A hammer, screwdriver, or pliers

A light

A glass

An egg

A remote control

A lock and key

A rope

A picture

A paperclip

A pitcher of water

A baseball glove

A scarf

A sponge

Etc., etc., etc.

If you look around your house, it’s full of objects that you can use to create interest and bridge to your Bible study. With a little practice, you’ll find new ways to use objects that are right under your nose.